These five Gurdwaras represent the collective temporal power of the Khalsa. The Akhal Takhat being the highest throne where all decisions are finalised but representation and discussion has to be made with the other Takhat Jathedars.

Takhat Sri Akhal Takhat Sahib

Just before the martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji He instructed the Sikhs that the next Guru would be Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. He stated that two swords should be placed on Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji one of Miri (standing for temporal power) and one of Piri (standing for spiritual power). After Guru Ji was martyred our 6th Master formed an army and Takhat Sri Akal Takht Sahib was raised. The first Takhat of the Sikhs is a throne of temporal and eternal authority and was built in 1606 by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji along with two famous Gursikhs Baba Buddha Sahib Ji and Bhai Gurdas Sahib Ji. The throne stood over 10ft tall and was higher than the throne of the Emperor of India in Delhi. The original brickwork is still present although the building has been extended over the years. Decisions of the Panth are taken at the Takhat and are binding upon all Sikhs all over the world it is the temporal throne of the Sikhs. 

Takhat Sri Harimandir Sahib Ji Patna Sahib

Patna - Place of Avtar of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee Takhat Sri Harimandar Ji Patna Sahib The second Takhat of the Sikhs is situated in the Indian state of Bihar and it was the birthplace of our tenth Master Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji. Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib Ji when given the Gurgaddi (Guruship) moved away from Panjab for a number of years and settled here. In that period matters of the Panth were taken from here by Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib Ji. 

Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib

Anandpur Sahib - Place of revelation of Khalsa Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Ji Anandpur Sahib After Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib Ji was martyred Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji felt that Sikhs should become distinct. The Sikh discipline was given its final form and the Khalsa was created. It was at Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib in 1699 that the Panj Pyare were initiated into the Khalsa Panth by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji. They then initiated Guru Sahib Ji and the rest of the Sikhs that were present. It is said that upto 80000 Sikhs attended that day. Males were given the name Singh meaning lion and females were given the name Kaur meaning lioness/princess.

Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib

Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib Ji Sabo Ki Talwandi Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji stayed here for about a year over 1705-1706 after the battles with the Moghals. It was here that Guru Sahib compiled Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as we know it today by including Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib Ji's Bani within it. Damdami Taksal was also founded at this time as a school to teach the correct meanings and pronunciations of Gurbani.

Takhat Sachkand Sri Hajoor Sahib

Nanded - Place where Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee ascended to Sach Kand Takhat Sri Abchal Nagar Sach Khand Sri Hazur Sahib Ji Nanded
This is the fifth and last Takhat of the Sikhs and is the place where Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji left the world for Sach Khand in 1708. After leaving Damdama Sahib Guru Sahib spent His final few years here. This Takhat is the second Takhat which is not in Panjab. It is situated in the state of Maharashtar which is in the south of India on the banks of the river Godavri.